The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu has urged Nigerians to shun the get-rich-quick syndrome and reject shortcuts to wealth especially at this Yuletide period.
He added that they should rather embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens.
Lanre state this while addressing a press conference in Gombe to flag-off Nationwide Sensitization Campaigns on the WORLD6 HIV Day, Security Awareness, discouraging get rich quick syndrome, world Human Rights Day and the Tax reform Bills on Thursday.
He warned that, “In this Yuletide season, the tendency to resort to criminal ways to acquire ill gotten wealth so as to impress others is heightened.
“The NOA will in this month of December be carrying out nationwide sensitization against the get rich quick syndrome.”
According to him, “The government recognizes that the erosion of our age long values and economic hardship often drives individuals toward unethical practices.
“To address this, it has implemented youth empowerment programmes such as the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) and skill acquisition initiatives.
It also supported small and medium enterprises through grants and loans to promote entrepreneurship, Criminalized fraudulent practices, including internet fraud and financial crimes, with increased enforcement by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.
The theme of the campaign is: “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values and National Development”
Represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Strategy, Nura Yusuf Kobi, the DG said, Today, we are commencing a nationwide mobilization of Nigerians to unite in our commitment to addressing these pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secure, and ethical society. The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians.”
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He highlighted the 5 Key Issues and Government Efforts on World HIV/AIDS Day which compliments the efforts being made by relevant health authorities coincides with the World HIV/AIDS Day.
He added, “And we join the global community within the week across the 36 states, the FCT and the 774 Local Governments, in raising awareness.”
The government has intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide, ensure antiretroviral treatment is available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS and partner with local and international organizations to combat stigma and discrimination.
The NOA DG added that, “However, it should be noted that the government alone cannot win this fight against HIV/AIDS. Citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviors, and support those living with HIV/AIDS.”
“Citizens have a big role to play in halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. We shall be carrying these messages across the length and breadth of Nigeria through our diverse messaging platforms.
On security awareness, he stressed that, “Security remains a top priority for the government. Efforts to address insecurity include strengthening security architecture through better equipment, training, and increased funding for security agencies and expanding policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement.
“Deploying technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering, to combat criminal activities.”
Issa-Onilu stressed that, “These efforts require the active support of citizens, who must report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. We are urging citizens to be conscious of the fact that Security begins with you and I.”
On World Human Rights Day he said, “As we commemorate World Human Rights Day, the government remains committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian.”
He stressed that, “Recent efforts include strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations, including gender-based violence and child trafficking and establishing support centers for survivors of abuse and violence in collaboration with civil society.”
Another measure is promoting constitutional awareness to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities.
According to him, “These efforts can only be successful when citizens stand for justice, respect the rights of others, and report violations to the appropriate authorities. We will in this nationwide campaigns also be urging citizens to recognize that they also have civic responsibilities to uphold.”
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